updated 06:00 pm EST, Fri January 23, 2009

Android Cupcake update

The Android updates that are soon due to come to the T-Mobile G1 handset over the air have been detailed on Thursday. The updates, collectively dubbed Cupcake by the Android team, include a new local setting page that lets users select different locales and various ways of inputting text. Users will also get the option of viewing running third party applications from the regular applications list.

The in-progress update includes visual changes such as a fresh effect during the opening or closing of applications. There is a different default notepad skin, and a global time application that shows a rotating planet earth for showing different time zones. A spare parts application lets users change the animation speed, font size, button behavior and other detail settings. An automatic display orientation feature will allow automatic screen rotation.

The addition of a virtual keyboard that, at least in the pre-release version, lacks haptic feedback and auto-correct functions, is likewise in the works and is due for a first-quarter release. Many are looking forward to a quicker way to respond to text messages or enter text into the G1, as they currently have no other choice but to open the device and use its hardware QWERTY keyboard. [viaTalkAndroid]